Jake Knott

Combine Results

Grade

Draft Analysis:

6'2" Height

31" Arm Length

243LBS. Weight

9 3/4" Hands

Overview

In his senior year of high school, Knott was the ninth-ranked prospect in Iowa. He was named to the elite all-state team and was Class 4A first-team all-state by The Des Moines Register after recording 99 tackles with seven tackles for loss, three sacks and two interceptions. He also played receiver on offense, catching 37 passes for 844 yards and five touchdowns. In addition to football, Knott also lettered in baseball as well as in track and field. Knott was offered baseball scholarships by Iowa and Northern Iowa, but ultimately chose football.

Knott got onto the field as a true freshman, making 23 tackles, two for loss, on defense and special teams. He was an All-Big 12 honorable mention as a sophomore, when he racking up 130 tackles, six for loss, four interceptions, and five pass break-ups. Knott was a second-team All-Big 12 pick by league coaches as a junior (115 tackles, four for loss, two interceptions, four forced fumbles). In his senior season, despite missing the team’s final four games due to shoulder surgery, he earned first-team All-Big 12 honors. On the season, Knott totaled 79 tackles (six for loss), five pass breakups, two interceptions, and two forced fumbles.

Analysis

Strengths

Hard-working outside ‘backer who covers a lot of ground and is willing to stick his nose into run plays. Flashes speed to reach the sideline in coverage, also the change of direction to attack quick throws after dropping into his zone. Secure tackler, can break down to stop momentum and has enough quickness and upper-body strength to grab ballcarriers on the fly. Willing to eat fullback blocks in the hole to free up other defenders, uses his strength to work through blocks to the ballcarrier. Should be an excellent special teamer with his intelligence, aggressiveness and agilty.

Weaknesses

Needs to get his hands up to take advantage of his strength to shed blocks consistently, can be moved out of plays by stronger receivers and tight ends in the run game. Not necessarily a hammer as a tackler, ballcarriers can slip out to get extra yardage. Hasn’t been used as a pass rusher very often, lacks great closing speed but could be a factor around the line with his quickness and tackling ability.

NFL Comparison

Lorenzo Alexander

Bottom Line

Knott’s been a team leader and productive player alongside fellow linebacker A.J. Klein. Knott is athletic enough to play the Sam position or inside in a 3-4 scheme, as well as a special teams contributor at the next level. If his shoulder checks out medically, he should be a mid-round selection.

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Grade

Title

Draft (Round)

Description

96-100

Future Hall of Famer

Top Pick

A once-in-a-generation type prospect who could change how his position is played

85-95

Immediate Starter

1st

An impact player with the ability/intangibles to become a Pro Bowl player. Expect to start immediately except in a unique situation (i.e. behind a veteran starter).

70-84

Eventual Starter

2nd-3rd

A quality player who will contribute to the team early on and is expected to develop into a starter. A reliable player who brings value to the position.

50-69

Draftable Player

4th-7th

A prospect with the ability to make team as a backup/role player. Needs to be a special teams contributor at applicable positions. Players in the high range of this category might have long-term potential.

20-49

Free Agent

UDFA

A player with solid measurables, intangibles, college achievements, or a developing skill that warrants an opportunity in an NFL camp. In the right situation, he could earn a place on a 53-man roster, but most likely will be a practice squad player or a camp body.